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Our History - A Dragon's Tale

A vibrant, serpentine dragon with intricate, scaly patterns in shades of blue and white, its mouth open in a fierce expression, against a plain white background.

VOICES FROM THE DECADES

At the heart of our School’s history are the people… From the pioneering first years to becoming an award winning leader in Asia Pacific, UNIS Hanoi honours stories from alumni students, faculty and staff. Enjoy hearing from the voices of the era!

A JOURNEY OF MILESTONES

Scroll through the overview of the remarkable milestones in UNIS Hanoi’s journey.

A black and white photograph of a building with a prominent entrance, surrounded by lush vegetation and people standing in the foreground.
June 1988

The Ministry of Education of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam issues the formal decree establishing an International School in Hanoi for expatriate children of the Diplomatic Corps.

A Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Education. The Memorandum includes operating guidelines for the school as a cultural and non-profit institution of the international community in Vietnam.

A multi-story building with a covered entrance, surrounded by trees and parked vehicles, appears to be a university or college campus.
September 1988

The United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi) opens at the Hanoi-Amsterdam Campus with an enrolment of 4 students and with Dr Alice Ann Winner as its first Head of School.

A group of people, including a teacher and several students, are gathered in a classroom setting with various educational materials and displays visible in the background.
1990-91

Head of School, Mr Graham Cherry starts his leadership.

A group of children, some wearing colorful clothing, holding up signs or placards in what appears to be an indoor setting with walls and windows visible in the background.
1992-93

The Swedish School merges with UNIS Hanoi at the Hanoi-Amsterdam Campus. Grades extend from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8.

The image on the left shows a person wearing a yellow raincoat and riding a bicycle on a wet road, while the image on the right depicts two smiling individuals, one wearing a blue jacket and the other a red hat, embracing each other.
1994-95

Head of School, Mr Jim Ambrose starts his leadership.

The image shows the entrance to the United Nations International School in Hanoi, with people walking through the gates and a sign welcoming visitors to the school.
1995-96

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 2 moves to converted classrooms in the Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound. Grades extend to Grade 9 at Hanoi-Amsterdam Campus. Three satellite classrooms are constructed at Hanoi-Amsterdam Campus. Enrollment is over 310.

A large group of people, mostly children, gathered together in a colorful outdoor setting with buildings and trees visible in the background.
1996-97

Grades 3 to 5 move from Hanoi-Amsterdam to Van Phuc Campus. Grades extend to Grade 10 at Hanoi-Amsterdam Campus.  UNIS Hanoi is authorised to implement the Middle Years International Baccalaureate Programme (Grades 6-10). Head of School Dr Frances Rhodes starts her leadership. 

The image shows the entrance to the UNIS Early Childhood Center, with a decorative archway and a blue gate in the foreground.
1997-98

Middle School is established to include Grades 6 to 8, making UNIS Hanoi a three-division school - Lower, Middle, and Upper with a total enrollment of nearly 400.

UNIS Hanoi is authorised for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Three additional satellite classrooms are constructed at Hanoi-Amsterdam, bringing the total number of satellite classrooms to six. The construction of the Early Childhood Centre adjacent to the Van Phuc Campus creates a new division. 

The image shows a collage of various photographs, including a large cake with the United Nations logo and %22Hanoi%22 written on it, as well as several groups of people in formal attire, some of whom appear to be in a professional or diplomatic setting.
1998-99

UNIS Hanoi celebrates its 10th birthday with 350 students and its first graduating class - Class of 1999. 

International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is authorised, making UNIS Hanoi the first three-programme IB school in Asia.

Self-Study for Accreditation is initiated according to guidelines established by the European Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

All grades are finally united on the Van Phuc Campus and UNIS Hanoi starts its Community Programmes offering classes and activities to the Hanoi community.

A detailed architectural model or layout of a complex urban area, with various buildings, roads, and other structures visible in the foreground and background.
January 2000

UNIS Hanoi is granted a 9.2 hectare site in the Ciputra compound by the Prime Minister for the purpose of constructing the new UNIS Hanoi Campus.

UNIS Hanoi partners with the Ministry of Education and Training in what will become a two decade commitment to professional development for kindergarten teachers in Hanoi.

The image depicts a ceremonial event with people in traditional attire, including white robes and red and white decorations, gathered in an outdoor setting with tents or pavilions in the background.
2002-03

New campus ground-breaking ceremony is held and UNIS Hanoi receives its Land Use Rights (Red Book). 

Mr John Osbo is Head of School for one year.

A group of people, both men and women, are standing together outdoors in a garden-like setting with lush greenery in the background.
2003-04

Head of School, Mr Alun Cooper starts his leadership.

The image shows the entrance to the United Nations International School of Hanoi, with a large sign displaying the school's name and logo prominently in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings in the background.
2004-05

UNIS Hanoi moves to its current campus  - the largest school campus in Vietnam. Ten modern buildings surrounded by playgrounds and playing fields provide the setting for teaching and learning for 637 students in Grades Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.

An indoor swimming pool with several people swimming and diving in the water, surrounded by a gymnasium-like structure with blue and white walls.
2005-06

Heated swimming pools and a Physical Education building come into operation further enhancing facilities for the UNIS Hanoi community and more broadly through its Community Programmes.

A group of people, both men and women, are gathered together in what appears to be a formal setting, such as a conference or meeting. They are dressed in a mix of casual and formal attire, and the background suggests an indoor location with a wall and some furniture visible.
2008-09

Head of School Dr Charles Barder starts his leadership (Back row left. Pictured with the Board of Directors).

A group of people, both adults and children, are gathered on a tennis court surrounded by palm trees and buildings, suggesting an outdoor sports facility or community center.
2009-10

Further campus enhancements with tennis courts and a dedicated Science and Technology Building confirms UNIS Hanoi’s commitment to outstanding education. The Peter Goverde Memorial Youth Tennis Tournament celebrates the opening of the courts in honour of a PE faculty member.

The image shows a basketball game in progress, with a player in a white jersey jumping up to shoot the ball while other players from both teams are positioned on the court.
2010-11

UNIS Hanoi becomes a member of the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) providing international sports and arts tournaments and festivals for High School students.

A large group of people, including adults and children, gathered in front of a backdrop of international flags, with a man in a suit interacting with the group.
October 2010

United Nations’ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits UNIS Hanoi. 

“I am here to make this world more peaceful, more developed, happier and more prosperous for you because I believe that you are the leaders of tomorrow. While I am working as a leader of today, soon it will be your world; soon you will be the leaders of the world.”

A modern, multi-story building with glass walls and a landscaped garden in the foreground, set against a backdrop of cloudy skies.
2011-12

UNIS Hanoi is proud to open two major new facilities as school enrolment increases to 1000+.

The Sports Centre provides air conditioned court space, a running track, dance studio, fitness centre and Health Classrooms. 

The Centre for Arts boasts a 400-seat professional theatre, exhibition space and combines visual and performing arts in one creative space. UNIS Music Academy launches in partnership with musicians from Vietnam National Academy of Music. 

A large crowd of people gathered on a grassy field, forming the letters %22UNI%22 with a Vietnamese flag in the foreground.
2012-13

UNIS Hanoi celebrates 25 Years of Learning to Inspire with an all-school photo taken on UN Day, the launch of its Scholarship Programme for talented, local high school students from disadvantaged families, and the Birthday Gift Fund to support the School’s Service Learning programme and honouring the School's commitment to our host nation.

The image depicts a stylized, black-and-white illustration featuring a dragon-like creature, a turtle, and other fantastical elements, with the text %22THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND%22 prominently displayed.
2014-15

UNIS Hanoi expands its Scholarship Programme, welcoming two new scholars thanks to the community’s support for its first Annual Community Campaign and through the creation of the Bitexco Founders Scholarship.

A colorful playground with a large climbing structure, surrounded by blue shade canopies and people enjoying the outdoor space.
2016-17

Campus construction starts for the School’s new dining area and learning centre, a new wing for the Elementary School (including maker space, creativity space, and 4 classrooms), an artificial turf soccer pitch, a new eco-friendly central air conditioning system and the refurbishment of the covered courts.

A large group of people gathered on a grassy field, forming the shape of the number 30.
2017-18

It's UNIS Hanoi’s 30th Birthday! Our all-school photo starts a year of celebrations in which we successfully complete our first Scholarship Fund campaign early and celebrate the service of UNIS Hanoi’s longest serving Head of School, Dr Charles Barder as he heads for retirement.

A large, open-plan indoor space with rows of tables and chairs, filled with people engaged in various activities, surrounded by colorful architectural elements and natural light.
2018-19

UNIS Hanoi starts the new year with new facilities (Canteen and Ly Thai To Learning Centre, a new wing to the Elementary School, an extended and fully renovated covered court area, and an artificial turf soccer pitch for all-year use) and a new Head of School, as Ms Jane McGee starts her leadership.

A person in a blue parrot costume is interacting with a person wearing a safety vest in an outdoor setting with buildings and trees visible in the background.
2019-20

The Covid Pandemic disrupts its first year at UNIS Hanoi with cancelled IB Diploma exams for the Class of 2020 worldwide and the start of distance learning after Tet.

A group of students wearing masks and gloves are working together on a science experiment in a classroom setting, with various scientific equipment and materials visible in the background.
2020-21

UNIS Hanoi enjoys almost a full year of face to face school as Vietnam closes its borders to manage the global pandemic. Students return to distance learning at the end of the year and the Class of 2021 graduate online.

A modern, multi-story building with a large glass facade surrounded by lush greenery, including palm trees, and a paved walkway in the foreground.
2021-22

School opens online and distance learning dominates the year until a return to face to face classes for all after Spring Break. During the summer, the roofs of the Sports Centre and operations buildings are covered with 921 solar panels in a joint project initiated by the UNIS Impact Fund and partnered with School funds. On a sunny day, the Sports Centre is powered with 80% clean, solar energy.

A large group of people gathered on a grassy field, forming the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
2022-23

UNIS Hanoi celebrates 35 Years of Learning for Impact and revels in a post-pandemic renaissance with its theme of #openingdoors. 

The symbol of Hanoi is chosen for the all-school birthday photo, underlining our community partnerships, and it's a return to full programming for our students including trip weeks, international travel, and community events such as UN Day, Spring Fair and the Learning Together professional development conference. 

The Garden of Philanthropy is formally opened as part of the School’s UN Day celebrations and the UNIS Cultural Collection wins international recognition.

A colorful and vibrant outdoor playground with various play structures, shaded seating areas, and a backdrop of high-rise buildings in the distance.
2023-24

A transformative philanthropic partnership with LPBank defined the year, resulting in a fully renovated playground and the creation of the UNIS-LPBank Endowment Fund. This spirit of community progress was echoed in the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2024. Students achieved an 89% pass rate in the IB Diploma Programme–well above the global average–and 17% of full diploma candidates scored 40 or more points, nearly double the worldwide benchmark. These results reflect UNIS Hanoi's commitment to both student well-being and academic excellence.

A group of people, both men and women, are standing together in front of a modern building with a grassy area in the foreground.
2024-25

UNIS Hanoi has successfully completed its accreditation with CIS, WASC, and the IBO. The visiting team reaffirms UNIS Hanoi's high standards, calling it the "gold standard of an IB education."

Inspired by a student's wish for his grandmother to understand his presentation, UNIS Hanoi became the first school in the world to implement AI-powered real-time translation for multilingual community engagement. Funded by community donations, in its first year, the initiative supported 40+ events in dozens of languages, boosting participation and inspiring schools across Asia.

The image shows a teacher interacting with students in a classroom setting, with various educational materials and supplies visible in the background.
2025-2026

Head of School, Dr Elizabeth Gale starts her leadership.

OUR LEADERS FOR 37 YEARS OF LEARNING TO INSPIRE

UNIS Hanoi has benefitted from the wisdom, experience and determined talents of nine remarkable men and women. We thank them for their service, leadership and vision.
Dr Elizabeth Gale
Head of School 2025-Present
 
"At UNIS Hanoi, our Mission is our promise and our Vision is our Noth Star—together with our Values, they guide how we learn, lead, and care for one another. They invite us to imagine what's possible when a school community fully embraces its responsibility to the world, shaping every action we take toward creating a better future."
Ms Jane McGee
Head of School 2018-2025
 
"The individuals who have been members of our community for the past 35 years have laid the foundation for who we are today, our campus, our programme and our strong sense of community. They have supported more than 20,000 students. And we, as a community, know that we are laying the foundations for the next 35 years of learning."
Dr Charles Barder
Head of School 2008-2018
 
"I will miss the regular contact with students, faculty, parents and staff. Ms Canada and I love being part of such a vibrant community, and it will be hard to leave UNIS and Hanoi."
Mr Alun Cooper
Head of School 2003-2008 
 
"UNIS Hanoi was a wonderful time in my professional career and I still have the most incredible feeling about this amazing school.
I wish you all a most exciting and meaningful future."
Mr John D. Osbo
Head of School 2002-2003
 
"Warm regards to everyone and my best wishes for UNIS’ continued success." 
Dr Frances Rhodes
Head of School 1997-2002
 
"UNIS itself is taking a very important step at this time with the construction of a new and greatly expanded international campus. UNIS staff and students will move to the new site in Spring 2004 thus taking a major step forward in the history of the school."
Mr Jim Ambrose
Head of School 1994-1997
 
"The ultimate solution was for UNIS to obtain land on which to build its own campus and that became our strategic goal."
Mr Graham Cherry
Head of School 1990-1994
 
"The School had a real family feel to it, and served as a kind of focal point for the lives of many families."
Dr Alice-Ann Winner
Head of School 1988-1990
 
"We had four rooms in a recently built Vietnamese high school where we had to completely renovate the bathrooms. We had a generator, which I had to learn how to use."